BitchX is unfortunately the best IRC client for the Linux console.
It's unfortunate, because sadly, BitchX sucks. It comes with a large selection of lame quit/kick/ban/etc messages, such as:
  • BitchX BaBy!
  • BitchX: better than a penis enlargement!
  • BitchX:it ads that extra uNF to your sex life!
And many many more.. Ignoring the content of the messages, there's still the fact they are full of bold codes, which is not a very nice thing.
Then you have BitchX's flood protection, which appears to enjoy mass kicking channels where anything happens quickly, or ignoring anyone who pastes something. It gets annoying very quickly, as does the autoaway message which is full of bold codes too.